Rigging Instructions and Diagrams for WW1 Aircraft

Thanks to John Brotherston who has permitted me to digitise a WW1 rigging notebook that has been in his possession for many years. Air Mechanic 2nd Class (Rigger) G Slater was posted to the No 12 Reserve Aeroplane Squadron based at Thetford Aerodome in November 1915. Thetford was used for basic flight training for pilots and observers, including night flying. Slater's role as a rigger included the training of junior riggers and he compiled a comprehensive notebook detailing the rigging for nine (9) specific types of British aircraft, The Maurice Farman Longhorn and Shorthorn, the Royal Air Force Factory FE2, the Royal Air Force Factory BE2c, the De Havilland DH1 and DH2, the Avro 504, the Bristol Scout Type C and the Vickers FB5 'Gunbus'. It will take me some time to digitise the 100 pages which will eventually be included on my website (and also in book format for those who have not become aware of the notebook via this website). In the meantime I have attached a couple of photos to this News item (rigging diagrams for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2), so if anyone wants to view the rigging pages for specific aircraft you can send me a message via my Contact page.

UPDATE Friday 13th February 2026

My book, Rigger's Notes - British WW1 Aircraft, was published today by Amazon / KDP and can be purchased in paperback format or eBook in most countries from the appropriate Amazon website. You can also download the pdf file for free by visiting the Rigger's Notes page on my website.

Rigging diagram for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2 (top elevation)

Rigging diagram for the Royal Aircraft Factory FE2 (side elevation)

Rigging Notes for a Royal Aircraft Factory FE2